Which perms are generally processed with heat?

Which perms are generally processed with heat?

• A. Acid perms
• B. Alkaline perms
• C. Neutral perms
• D. Thermal perms

Answer: (A)

In perm chemistry, temperature speeds up the chemical reactions that break and reform disulfide bonds in the hair. Acid perms rely on a milder reducing agent, so heat is used to activate the solution and help it penetrate the hair structure. The heat accelerates both the reduction of bonds and the diffusion of the solution through the cortex, allowing a more even and controlled curl to form before the neutralizer sets the new shape. Alkaline (cold-wave) perms are designed to work well at room temperature with a stronger reducing agent, so they’re typically processed without added heat. Neutral perms are milder and generally also processed without heat, relying on longer processing times at room temperature. Thermal perms are a distinct approach where heat is an integral part of the process to shape the hair.

In perm chemistry, temperature speeds up the chemical reactions that break and reform disulfide bonds in the hair. Acid perms rely on a milder reducing agent, so heat is used to activate the solution and help it penetrate the hair structure. The heat accelerates both the reduction of bonds and the diffusion of the solution through the cortex, allowing a more even and controlled curl to form before the neutralizer sets the new shape.

Alkaline (cold-wave) perms are designed to work well at room temperature with a stronger reducing agent, so they’re typically processed without added heat. Neutral perms are milder and generally also processed without heat, relying on longer processing times at room temperature. Thermal perms are a distinct approach where heat is an integral part of the process to shape the hair.